Jacques Bidet examines the dynamics of political parties, movements, and uprisings as expressions of popular governance. His analysis delves into the capacity of common people to engage in political organization, making it a significant read for both Marxist students and those interested in broader political theories and actions. The exploration of these themes highlights the intersection of social theory and practical politics.
With this timely commitment, Jacques Bidet unites the theories of arguably the world's two greatest emancipatory political thinkers. In this far-reaching and decisive text, Bidet examines Marxian and Foucauldian criticisms of capitalist modernity. For Marx, the intersection between capital and the market is crucial, while for Foucault, the organizational aspects of capital are what really matter. According to Marx, the ruling class is identified with property; with Foucault, it is the managers who hold power and knowledge that rule. Bidet identifies these two sides of capitalist modernity as 'market' and 'organization', showing that each leads to specific forms of social conflict; against exploitation and austerity, over wages and pensions on the one hand, and against forms of 'medical' and work-based discipline, control of bodies and prisons on the other. Bidet's impetus and clarity however serve a greater purpose: uniting two souls of critical social theory, in order to overcome what has become an age-long separation between the 'old left' and the 'new social movements'.
Philosophical, Economic and Political Dimensions
Focusing on the intersection of Marx's theories and the history of science, this investigation delves into the evolution of Marx's ideas and their implications. By examining the scientific context of his work, the author uncovers new insights and interpretations that challenge traditional readings of Marx. This analytical approach not only enriches our understanding of Marxism but also highlights its relevance in contemporary discussions about science and society.